About a month ago we were the first to bring you word via Dengeki Hobby that Masterpiece Cheetor's release date had been pushed back from its planned January date in to February. In the time since, retail websites have begun to reflect this change, and through TakaraTomy Mall, we now have the new Japanese release date to share. Stores in Japan will start selling MP-34 Cheetor in Saturday, February 25th. Whether the mainland Asia release will occur on the same day or possibly be a little earlier as has happened in the past when Japanese release dates have been delayed is currently unknown.

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Last night we found out about the new anime colors variant of Masterpiece Prowl, MP-17+, which would release as a TakaraTomy Mall exclusive. But surprisingly today, it looks like that will also be available for purchase in the US. US retailers, such as sponsor BigBadToyStore now have preorder listings for MP-17+, marked as a Hasbro product, and due in September. The timing - and similar pricing - sure makes this sound like an effort at a simultaneous (or as near as we can get) Masterpiece release by both Hasbro and TakaraTomy, which could have some interesting potential if it becomes a regular occurrence! Click through for a product link.

The ToysRUs Australia Facebook page has announced that now through February 25th, Australian collectors can order MP-34S Shadow Panther via the retailer website. The figure is a black recolor of MP Cheetor - based on a black recolor of 1996 Deluxe Cheetor - and is expected to ship in October and costs $109.93 AUD, or about USD $86. Keep reading for the link, and for photos!

From Kevin Liu, we have both a set of very nice quality photos of Movie Masterpiece Barricade, now beginning to become available in Asia. The photos offer a nice overview of the toy in both modes, and helpfully give a side by side with Human Alliance Barricade, a comparison sure to be of interest to collectors wondering if it's worth upgrading. Kevin has also posted a video of the figure on Youtube so you can check it out in action. You can find that embedded below, along with mirrored photos.

In pursuit of the ultimate experience of punishment and enslavement, the fifth Movie Masterpiece figure, Barricade is inching towards general retail release. Via a user on Weibo we have a few in hand images from what may be either an early sample that got out or the initial signs of stores receiving the Decepticon police car. Time will tell on that score, we suppose. Right now we get to see some looks at the robot mode in different poses, and a good shot at the vehicle form. We've mirrored the photos for those who might not be Weibo-enabled - click through to take a look!

Usual Weibo leak source TF-Factory has posted a few new things this morning, first up of which is package art for MPM-6 Ironhide! The Movie Masterpiece figure boasts of such features on his package back as "diecast parts," "movable faceplate," "articulated hands," and even "Posable Neck"! A truly exciting development in Transformers tech. Keep reading to see the images!